Reminder: Change Your Air Filters

August 14th, 2017

Life keeps us busy. Keep your family breathing fresh by changing your filters. In Southwest Florida, all sorts of allergens are in our air daily since we live on a peninsula. Below you will find good tips on when and how to change your air filter for your unit.

 

Here’s a few tips and a timeline for you on keeping your filters fresh .

  • Single occupant homes without pets or allergies: Change 6-12 months
  • Typical home without pets: Change every 90 days
  • Add a dog/cat: Change every 60 days
  • Multiple pets or have allergies: Change every 30-45 days

 

Tips on Changing your Air Filter

  • Turn off the unit before replacing the filter.
  • Make sure you use the right filter for your unit and make sure it’s not damaged out of the package.
  • Follow the directions for your unit to make sure you’re installing the filter properly.  For example, many filters use different colors for the front and back (or upstream and downstream flow) so that they’re not installed backwards.
  • Make sure there aren’t any gaps around the filter frame.  If this is the case, you may have the wrong size filter, or the filter itself may be defective or damaged.
  • Use an old rag to clean up any residual dust before and after you replace the filter.
  • Securely replace any levers, gaskets and/or seals.
  • Turn the unit on and observe it while it’s operating to make sure the filter stays in place.
  • Note the date of filter replacement in a convenient location for the next time you inspect it.  A filter that becomes dirty enough to change within a short period of time may indicate a problem with the unit or ventilation system, so monitoring how often the filter requires changing is important information for your technician to have.

 

Conditioned Air is now serving Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, Lakewood Ranch and all of Southwest Florida. If you need a new filter go to our website, place an order and it will be shipped to your door here

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Summertime temperatures are heating up!

August 8th, 2017

It’s August in Southwest Florida, the hottest month of the year. Here are 5 top tips to keep your home cool this summer.

To optimize your comfort, set your thermostat to 78°F when you’re at home and 85°F when you’re not*.

Lower blinds or close curtains during the daytime. This prevents the sun’s heat from entering your home.

Set ceiling fans to counterclockwise. The cooling effect on your skin will make the room feel 8° cooler.

Use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air. This will leave you feeling cooler even on the hottest days.

Cooking adds heat to your home. On hot days, avoid using the oven. Instead, grill outside or use a microwave oven.

At Conditioned Air of Naples, Fort Myers & Sarasota we are here 24/7 to keep you cool.

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Naples Daily News Choice Awards

August 3rd, 2017

We are honored to accept the Southwest Florida Choice Silver Award from the Naples Daily News. Thank you to the readers of Naples Daily News for choosing Conditioned Air, The Comfort People Since 1962

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That’s A Winner

July 27th, 2017

We are humbled to be chosen as Gulfshore Business Magazine’s 2017 Best Of Business. We would like to thank the readers and our customers for choosing us. At Conditioned Air we are all about your customer experience and stand behind our work 100%. Thank you again Southwest Florida for believing and trusting us. To our great employees, thank you for keeping Southwest Florida Cool day in and day out. This award belongs to you.

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Choosing Air Filters For Your Home: Understanding Your Choices

July 25th, 2017

In many HVAC systems, the air filter is primarily designed to protect the system from dust accumulation and particles that could cause system damage, but higher-quality filters can also help to improve indoor air quality by removing, dust, pollen, pet dander and other undesirable particles. Air filters are classified by their MERV ratings, with a higher number representing better filtration.

  • Fiberglass filters: These filters are mostly intended to protect the HVAC system, and they typically have a MERV rating of 1 to 4, meaning that they only remove about 10 percent of pollutants. Most fiberglass filters are disposable, though some can be washed and reused.
  • Pleated filters: Pleated air filters have multiple folds to increase the surface area compared to fiberglass filters, and with MERV ratings of about 5 to 13, they can remove up to 45 percent of airborne particles.
  • High-efficiency media: These denser, thicker pleated fitters have MERV ratings of about 14 to 16 and can remove up to 85 percent of contaminants.
  • Electrostatic filters: These filters use an electric charge to attract particles, increasing filtering efficiency without slowing the airflow like dense high-efficiency filters.
  • HEPA filters: High-efficiency particulate air filters can remove up to 98 percent of airborne particles, but they are often too large and restrictive for use in standard HVAC systems. They are typically added with a whole-home air cleaning system.

As the MERV rating of a filter increases, the amount that it restricts airflow also increases. This can make the HVAC system work harder, increasing your energy costs. For most homes, an air filter with a MERV rating of between 8 and 10 provides a good balance between filtering efficiency and airflow. For improved air filtering, you may consider adding a whole-home air cleaner with either an electrostatic filter or a HEPA filter.

To learn more about the different types of air filters, talk to our team at Conditioned Air. We can help you find the best filtering solution for your needs and your budget. Since 1962, we have been providing Southwest Florida residents with superior air conditioning and air quality services.

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Satisfaction Guarantee

July 20th, 2017
Satisfaction Guaranteed

We’re confident you’ll love our work, so we protect your investment with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. We want you to be happy with our work. So, if Conditioned Air cannot make you completely satisfied with any residential replacement system or accessory you buy from us, we will take back your equipment and refund your money, in full, for up to one year after installation. Every residential replacement system or accessory carries this guarantee. Period. There is no fine print. Cities in our service area include:

 

  • Bradenton
  • Fort Myers
  • Cape Coral
  • Naples
  • Sarasota
  • Port Charlotte
  • North Port
  • Englewood
  • Venice
  • Lakewood Ranch
  • Longboat Key
  • Siesta Key
  • Boca Grande
  • Punta Gorda

 

 

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3 Easy Ways To Help Control Summer Allergies

July 18th, 2017

With so many plants blooming, summer can be a difficult time for allergy suffers in Southwest Florida. While there is not much you can do about the pollen counts outside, there are several simple ways to control summer allergies inside your home, creating a comfortable retreat for the worst days.

Service the Air Conditioning System

Closing the windows and using the air conditioner when pollen counts are high is one of the best ways to control summer allergies, but if your system is not properly maintained, it can actually make the problem worse. Pollen, dust and other allergens can accumulate in the air handler, air filter and evaporator, and can then be distributed throughout you home when the system is used. Have your air conditioner inspected and serviced at least twice a year, which should include cleaning the coils, replacing the air filter and cleaning the air handler. Between service visits, change the air filter yourself every two to three months.

Use Hypoallergenic Linens

Choose hypoallergenic mattress covers, pillows, sheets and other bedding products, and wash them weekly to minimize allergens. Remove unnecessary clutter in your bedroom and closet to reduce the surfaces that can accumulate allergens, and when working outside, wash your clothes immediately, rather than storing them in a hamper, to eliminate excess pollen. Store seasonal clothes and bedding in sealed bags or bins to minimize dust and allergen accumulations.

Clean Often

Vacuum your home at least weekly using a machine with a HEPA filter, and dust often using electrostatic wipes or moist cloths. Whenever possible, use wood, vinyl or tile flooring, instead of carpets, to reduce allergen accumulations. When softer surfaces are desired, add throw rugs and take them outside monthly to beat the dust and pollen out of them.

At Conditioned Air, our team can help you control summer allergies with regular air conditioner maintenance, air cleaners, ventilation systems and more. Contact us today for service in the Southwest Florida area, from Bradenton to Marco Island.

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How To Calculate Your Energy Usage

July 11th, 2017

Electricity costs can be significant in Southwest Florida, and if you would like to minimize your utility bills, the best way to start is by calculating your energy usage. Every appliance, light and electronic device has its own electricity requirements, and the first step in calculating your energy usage is determining what that figure is for each device.

Using the Energy Guide Label

Many appliances and electronics, including large appliances like air conditioning systems, have a yellow Energy Guide label that makes determining energy usage simple. For electrical devices, the label will list estimated yearly energy usage in kilowatt-hours, which are the same units used on your electricity bill. To determine a device’s monthly usage, simply divide that number by 12, and to determine its daily usage, divide by 365.

Using Wattage

If no Energy Guide label is present, check the device for a label listing its electrical requirements, which is often found near the electrical cord. Many products will list the device’s wattage. To convert watts to kilowatts, simply divide by 1000. For example, a coffee maker that uses 800 watts would use 0.8 kilowatts of power. To find the kilowatt-hours used by a device, multiply the kilowatt rating by the number of hours the device is used daily. For example, the coffee maker that is rated for 0.8 kilowatts would require 2.4 kilowatt-hours of electricity a day when used for 3 hours.

Using Amperage

Some devices do not list wattage, so it must be calculated by multiplying amperage and voltage. For most devices, the voltage will be 120, though larger appliances may use 220 or 240 volts. A device that uses 5 amps at 120 volts would require 600 watts of power, while one that uses 0.5 amps would require 60 watts. Smaller devices may be rated in milliamps, which must be divided by 1000 to find the amps. Once the wattage is found, the kilowatt hours can be calculated, then simply add all your devices to calculate your total energy usage.

For help with calculating your energy usage, or reducing it, contact our team at Conditioned Air, serving Southwest Florida.

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5 Plants That Help Clean The Air In Your Home

July 4th, 2017

Many of today’s building materials, furniture and flooring products contain potentially harmful chemicals that can off-gas for days, weeks or even longer after installation, and with homes that are highly insulated and tightly sealed to improve energy-efficiency, the effects of these chemicals on indoor air quality are significantly greater. In studies by NASA, the Associated Landscape Contractors of America and others, however, it has been found that common houseplants can help clean the indoor air, with as little as one plant per 100 square feet. While some only remove one or two chemicals, the best air-purifying plants can remove multiple chemicals.

Garden Mum

Also known as the Florist’s Chrysanthemum, this plant is effective at removing benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, ammonia, toluene and xylene from the air. All of these chemicals can be harmful in large amounts, causing symptoms like nausea or dizziness, serious illnesses, or even cancer.

Dracaena

Most types of Dracaena can remove benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene from the air, while some, like the Red-Edged Dracaena, can also remove toluene and xylene.

Snake Plant

Requiring minimal care and only occasional watering, the Snake Plant is one of the most resilient air-purifying plants, and it can remove benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, toluene and xylene.

Peace Lilly

This flowering plant can remove benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, ammonia, toluene and xylene from the air, but it can also release pollen, which may be problematic for allergy sufferers.

Ficus

Also known as the Weeping Fig, Ficus plants can remove formaldehyde, xylene and toluene from the air, and some types can also remove benzene and trichloroethylene.

All these air-purifying plants should be used with care, as they can potentially be toxic to pets. Non-toxic alternatives, like Spider Plants, Boston Ferns or Bamboo Palms can remove formaldehyde, xylene and toluene, while others, like the Barberton Daisy, can remove benzene and trichloroethylene, allowing you to combine multiple plants for the best results.

To learn more about air-purification products and how they can work with your HVAC system to improve indoor air quality, talk to our HVAC experts at Conditioned Air, serving Southwest Florida.

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3 Key Advantages Of A Ductless System

June 27th, 2017

Ductless mini-split air conditioning systems are an efficient and effective way to add a cooling system to an existing home, an addition or even a new home. The advantages of a ductless system are numerous, but there are three key advantages that make them distinct from conventional systems:

Greater Energy Efficiency With Ductless Cooling

Ductless systems are extremely efficient, largely because they lack air ducts, which can waste up to 30 percent of the energy used for cooling through leaks or poor insulation. Many systems also feature variable-speed air handlers, inverter-driven multiple-speed compressors, improved coil designs and optional zoning systems that help to increase energy efficiency further. The latest models feature a seasonal energy efficiency ratio, or SEER, of up to 22, compared to the federal minimum of 14 SEER for Southwest Florida.

Easier Installation Than Traditional Ductwork

With an outdoor unit, one or more interior air handlers, and a few refrigerant and electric lines connecting them, ductless systems are easy to install. They require only a small 3 to 4 inch opening through a wall or ceiling to route the electrical and refrigerant lines, minimizing damage to your home and remodeling. In comparison, a central air conditioner or heat pump requires custom ducts to be fabricated, a centralized location for the interior air handler and evaporator, and several openings for electrical and refrigerant lines.

Optional Heating for Year-Round Comfort

Many ductless systems can reverse the refrigeration cycle during the winter, providing heating instead of cooling. This eliminates the extra cost of a separate heating system, which is only occasionally needed in Southwest Florida. With a multiple-room system, each zone can be adjusted to the perfect temperature for the occupants, winter or summer.

To learn more about the advantages of a ductless system, talk to our cooling experts at Conditioned Air today. We serve Southwest Florida, from Bradenton to Marco Island, and we have been providing quality, reliable HVAC services throughout the area since 1962.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What are the main advantages of a ductless mini-split system?
Answer: Ductless mini-split systems offer three major advantages: better efficiency, easier installation, and optional heating. Because they do not rely on ductwork, they can reduce energy loss, simplify installation, and provide targeted comfort for existing homes, additions, new homes, or specific rooms.

Question: Why are ductless systems more energy efficient?
Answer: Ductless systems can be more efficient because they avoid the energy loss that often happens through leaky or poorly insulated ducts. Many models also use variable-speed air handlers, inverter-driven compressors, improved coil designs, and zoning options to help cool spaces more precisely.

Question: Is a ductless mini-split easy to install?
Answer: Yes, ductless mini-splits are often easier to install than traditional central systems because they do not require new ductwork. Installation usually involves an outdoor unit, one or more indoor air handlers, and a small wall or ceiling opening for refrigerant and electrical lines.

Question: Can a ductless system provide heating as well as cooling?
Answer: Many ductless systems can provide both cooling and heating by reversing the refrigeration cycle. This can be helpful in Southwest Florida, where heating is only needed occasionally. Multi-room systems can also let homeowners adjust each zone to different comfort preferences.

Question: Where is a ductless mini-split a good fit?
Answer: A ductless mini-split can be a good fit for home additions, older homes without ductwork, garages, sunrooms, guest rooms, or spaces that are hard to keep comfortable. It offers flexible cooling without the larger remodeling work often required for a traditional ducted system.

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